2009 Gumpert Apollo Speed

This Greco-Roman god tries to pull a fast one.

Greco-Roman god Apollo is recognized as the overseer of many things—truth and prophecy, medicine and healing, light and the sun, the arts, music, archery, and poetry. The supercar Apollo is recognized as being overseen by its European maker, Gumpert. With Gumpert introducing its newest model, the Apollo Speed, we wondered how well the car might represent its namesake deity.

Let’s start with poetry and music. Those are pretty well covered by the sweet 4.2-liter Audi V-8, to which Gumpert straps a pair of turbochargers. Mounted amidships, it powers each of the Apollo models, which include an Apollo, Apollo Sport, and Apollo Race, as well as the new Apollo Speed. All are available tuned to one of three levels of output: 650 hp/627 lb-ft of torque, 700 hp/645 lb-ft, and 800 hp/664 lb-ft.

Previewed only by a teaser image (which we’ve lightened through the unknowable voodoo of Photoshop), the Apollo Speed looks no more artful—the arts, get it?—than its brethren. The only visible changes include smoother front wheel arches that better integrate with the front fascia, and a revised center air intake. This car was designed with aerodynamics—and not ultimate aesthetics—in mind, with the aim of creating enough downforce to be able to drive on a ceiling, somewhere. Light and the sun also get a nod, with new taillights tacked on the rear that we haven’t yet seen.

Now to truth and prophecy. Gumpert claims a 0-to-62-mph time of 3.0 seconds, while doubling that speed reportedly takes 8.9 seconds. The maximum velocity for the top-spec Speed is an arrow-like (archery!) 224 mph. But here’s where the Speed name feels disingenuous: these numbers are identical to those we were given for the Apollo Sport in 2007. We prophesize that some will cry foul when they compare Apollos to Apollos.

“Base” Apollo prices start at €301,600 (about $390,000), which may cause reactions requiring medicine and healing. The Apollo Speed debuts at the Geneva auto show in March.